Türkiye condemns Quran burning in Copenhagen

Türkiye strongly condemned Denmark for permitting hate crimes against the Muslim holy book of the Quran in Copenhagen following Sweden and the Netherlands, the Foreign Ministry said on January 27.

In a statement, the ministry expressed deep concern that the "heinous act" was not prevented by Danish authorities, despite Türkiye's warnings, showing the dangerous level of religious intolerance and hatred in Europe under the excuse of freedom, Daily Sabah reports.

The ministry warned that tolerance for such "disgusting acts" threatens co-existence and provokes anti-Muslim, racist and xenophobic attacks, which occur daily in Europe.

The ministry also reminded European governments of their responsibility against provocations that otherize Muslims and invited them to not stand idly by as the universal values they claim to defend are disregarded by far-right figures.

Earlier on Friday, the Foreign Ministry summoned the Danish ambassador over the incident.

In a message posted on Instagram on Thursday, Paludan, the leader of the Hard Line party, said he would burn the Muslim holy book in front of a mosque in Dortheavej, Copenhagen.

Identifying as a Christian in a "Christian country," Paludan said he would bring a match and a book to burn.

Last weekend, Paludan burned a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm, drawing worldwide condemnation.

This was followed by a similar incident when Dutch politician Edwin Wagensveld, head of the far-right PEGIDA, tore pages out of the holy book before setting them on fire.

Türkiye strongly criticized Sweden, which is currently in the process of joining NATO and suspended trilateral talks with Finland and Sweden over Stockholm's complicity and permission for the disrespectful demonstration.